The football field at Great Bend High School’s Memorial Stadium was decorated with chairs and balloons Friday evening, in preparation for the final “Be the Light” event to recognize the Class of 2020. Smoke and streamers added to the effect as the balloons moved in the wind and music played. 

Viewers described the gathering as “very emotional,” with parents, teachers and students watching from cars, the parking lot or the stadium. At the end, some went onto the football field to help clean up. Social distancing wasn’t strictly enforced but people tended to keep a few feet apart. There were a lot of cars and a few people walking around but mainly everybody was in their cars driving or stopped, said Park Elementary School Principal Phil Heeke, whose time-lapse images of the tribute can be seen here.